Building a Career and Giving Back Through Co-op

Through the co-op program, students have an opportunity to gain real-world work experience, exploring an interest that could develop into a career. Bronwyn McDougall’s (‘19) interest in business and the financial sector led her to a placement with ScotiaMcLeod.

She worked in ScotiaMcLeod’s offices, doing administrative tasks, answering and placing phone calls, and learning about ScotiaMcLeod and office norms from her coworkers. “Being a participant in the co-op program makes me feel very included in a business,” Bronwyn said. “I have learned how to be an organized business woman and how to work [with] lots of high-tech financial computer programs.”

As with most high school co-op programs, the majority of placements that Greenwood students participate in are unpaid; they receive academic credits. ScotiaMcLeod requires internships to be paid, so Bronwyn received a salary for the hours she was working. Because this was something that other students in the co-op program did not receive, Bronwyn and her family decided to donate her earnings to the school. They chose to support the Class of 2019 Fund, which provides financial assistance to current students.

For Bronwyn, her co-op placement with ScotiaMcLeod provided an invaluable learning experience. “This is the job I want to have when I am older,” she said. “Being a part of this co-op program has provided me with lots of knowledge in the business world.”

As for using this experience to support the school? That was just the cherry on top!